Stemware, mug, and stein identification helix

ABSTRACT

In a system for imparting visually identifiable distinctions between individual drinking vessels, an identification helix is used to impermanently attach to an elongate element of at least one of the drinking vessels. At least two identification helices are provided for engaging an elongate element of a drinking vessel such as a stem or handle. The system of identification helices comprises a first helical member of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry. A second helical member of resilient flexible material has, as well, a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry. The second helical member is visually distinct from the first differing in one of a group of qualities consisting of handedness, color, color combinations, and attached charms.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a non-provisional of co-pending, commonly owned U.S. application Ser. No. 29/432,016 filed on Sep. 12, 2012 incorporated herein fully by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An identifying tag more specifically a technology for impermanent and attractive marking of stemware.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At most social gatherings, the guests are served beverages in vessels, such as wine glasses, snifters, beer steins, or even mugs (by way of non-limiting example). Except where guests are seated at specific locations on one or several tables, and by extension, their vessels and tables settings will remain proximate to their seating location; the very act of mingling presents the opportunity to confuse the vessels. In the course of such a gathering, guests may not hold on to their vessel throughout the evening and in many cases, because the vessels are identical or nearly identical to each other, there is a risk of confusing and exchanging vessels.

The possibility of confusing the vessels can have a subtle but real effect of causing guests to use more vessels than necessary. Because of the possibility that vessels may have been confused, guests often get a new glass when they forget where they left their original drinking vessel or where guests have placed several in proximity one to another. In addition to those vessels then in use, there may also be several empty or partially filled drinking vessels at the venue. Thus, when hosting a social gathering, the hosts must provide a supply of drinking vessels to be abandoned in the course of the gathering. Unfortunately, the exact number may vary and therefore hosts are well advised to prepare with even more vessels and to do so increases the expense or might occasion the collection and washing of vessels during the course of the event, taking the host away from other duties.

Naturally, guests would rather not inadvertently pick up a drinking vessel believing it to be their own to find they have been drinking out of a drinking vessel previously used by someone else. Discovering such a mistake foments awkward social situations. In the worst instance, the vessels may become media for the exchange of bacteria and viruses with resulting medical complications.

Realizing the dangers identical drinking vessels pose, one solution has been to create tags that surround handles or stems of vessels to impermanently identify the vessels with paper inserts to bear the written name of the guest. Such tags are rarely elegant and can interfere with the guest's secure grasp of the vessel. Another solution employs labeled paper roundels used as coasters and bearing the user's name. Unfortunately, using the vessels, a user can separate the vessel from the coaster and, thereby, defeat the identification function. Where the roundels are further modified to prevent separation, hosts have been known to the roundel cut from the perimeter to the center to permit insertion of the stem of a wine glass and the cut is closed by length of adhesive tape. The user can then write his/her name on the paper roundel for identifying purposes. Identifying media of this type is relatively inexpensive and serves its purpose but affixing the roundels is time consuming and can interfere with drinking from the vessel. In any of these solutions, preparation and the unwieldy nature of the solution severely impinge the upon the usability of the solution.

Still, hosts have employed another form of identifying media, comprising differently configured charms mounted on or depending from a wire clasp. Such a clasp includes a U-shaped ends or hooks to permit mounting the clasp about the stem of a wine glass or handle of a beer stein and engaging the hooks with one another. For some people such engagement requires two-handed manipulation and depending upon the dexterity of a user, more or less difficulty is encountered. To make the charms attractive, the surface will often be irregular and because of that irregularity, awkward or uncomfortable to hold. In short, there exists no ideal solution to the problem of identifying the vessels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a system for imparting visually identifiable distinctions between individual drinking vessels, an identification helix is used to impermanently attach to an elongate element of at least one of the drinking vessels. At least two identification helices are provided for engaging an elongate element of a drinking vessel such as a stem or handle. The system of identification helices comprises a first helical member of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry. A second helical member of resilient flexible material has, as well, a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry. The second helical member is visually distinct from the first differing in one of a group of qualities consisting of handedness, color, color combinations, and attached charms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 including an exemplary vessel 11 (a wineglass shown in phantom) and an embodiment of an identification helix 20;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the identification helix 20 and a generally encircling geometry c;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the identification helix 20;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first side view of the identification helix 20;

FIG. 5 illustrates a second side view of the identification helix 20;

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the identification helix 20 showing in inset the homogenous cross-section; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the identification helix 20 showing an embedded wire core 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In a social gathering, an exemplary vessel assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1, includes an exemplary drinking vessel 11 providing a stem 13 an identification helix 20 engages. In this example, a wineglass is illustrated but any vessel having a handle or stem 13 is suitable. A beer stein provides a handle the identification helix 20 engages as readily as stemware such as the wineglass. In any regard, the identification helix has at least two properties that are available for identification, color and handedness. By suitable selection of at least these two features, any guest may know which vessel 11 belongs to them and can safely stand the vessel 11 on any surface among other vessels with full confidence that the guest can retrieve their vessel 11 rather than to confuse it with other such vessels 11.

The identification helix 20 advantageously exploits a geometric property of the helix to obviate the need for any form of clasp or closure. A helix is a type of smooth space curve, i.e. a curve in three-dimensional space. A helix has the property that the tangent line at any point makes a constant angle with a fixed line called the axis. FIGS. 2-5 show four orthogonal views of the identification helix 20 demonstrating proportions of at least one preferred embodiment. For purposes of illustration, a right-handed helix has been shown but its mirror image, a left-handed helix can serve with equal utility.

Helices can be either right-handed or left-handed. With the line of sight along the helix's axis, if a clockwise screwing motion the helix away from the observer, then it is called a right-handed helix; if towards the observer then it is a left-handed helix. Handedness (or chirality) is a property of the helix, not of the perspective: a right-handed helix cannot be turned or flipped to look like a left-handed one unless it is viewed in a mirror, and vice versa. The handedness of the identification helix 20 is a further differentiator in use such that at a social gathering, for example, couples might receive identification helices of the same color with opposite handedness so that the vessels 11 (FIG. 1) might be distinguished as between the members of the couple. Indeed, matchmaking might be effected by just such a practice.

Considering, therefore, that the identification helix 20, when viewed from either of the top (FIG. 2) or the bottom (FIG. 3) will suggest an encircling geometry c that, when used, engages the handle or stem, there to reside and serve as an identifier. Unlike earlier charms or trinkets used for identification, the identification helix 20 requires no closing of the curve. The lack of any form of mechanical closing device such as a catch, clasp, hook and eye, or closure is a clear advantage of the identification helix 20 as it will readily endure rigorous cleaning without endangering the ability to suitably affix the identification helix 20 to the vessel 11 (FIG. 1).

A quality of resilience in a material exploits the generally encircling geometry of the identification helix 20. Resilience, the power or ability to return to the original form and, thus, position, after being bent, compressed, or stretched enables the principal mathematical feature of the helix curve to engage the stem: a tangent line at any point makes a constant angle with a fixed line called the axis. Resiliency can cause the material to engage a stem or handle without any further means of attachment. Should the axis pass through a cross-section of a stem or handle of a vessel, the resilient helix will wrap around that vessel in much the manner of a snake around the trunk of a tree. So long as the stem or handle is within the generally encompassing geometry, the helix will remain wrapped around that stem or handle without requiring a means to close the curve.

In the preferred embodiment, the helix is formed of a homogenous silicon rubber 30 as shown in FIG. 6. Silicone rubber is an elastomer (rubber-like material) composed of silicone—itself a polymer—containing silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicone rubbers are widely used in industry, and there are multiple formulations. Silicone rubbers are often one- or two-part polymers, and may contain fillers to improve properties or reduce cost. Silicone rubber is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures from −55° C. to +300° C. while still maintaining its useful properties. Due to these properties and its ease of manufacturing and shaping, silicone rubber can be found in a wide variety of products, including: automotive applications; cooking, baking, and food storage products; apparel such as undergarments, sportswear, and footwear; electronics; medical devices and implants; and in home repair and hardware with products such as silicone sealants. As the presently preferred embodiment illustrates, because the device relies upon its helical configuration rather than upon being formed in a closed loop, the resiliency of silicone rubber ideally drives the helical form to engage the stem or handle as described above.

Silicone rubber is a highly inert material and does not react with most chemicals. Due to its inertness, it is used in many medical applications and in food preparation utensils and containers. Because of the described use in close proximity to food and beverages, silicone rubber's inert nature assures that odors or flavors will transmit to a guests hands for movement to the mouth or nose.

Silicone rubber has further enhancements that make it desirable in this presently preferred embodiment:

-   -   Longer service life in adverse environments;     -   Inherently good thermal insulating qualities prevent a guests         own body heat from transmitting up the stem of fine crystal to         injuriously warm the wine the stemware contains; and     -   Silicone rubber has its natural flexibility and resilience         (resists compression set) across a wider temperature range,         unlike organic elastomers which soften and deform irreversibly         at temperatures used for sterilizing and cleaning dishes and         silverware that may approach 100° C. (212° F.);     -   When used on a handle or stem enhances the comfort and feel of         vessel in the hands of the guest;     -   Colorable in a wide range of color choices (from transparent to         brightly colored); and     -   Silcone rubber has better flow properties than organic polymers         making the helices easier to fabricate; allowing more         fabricating options and, thereby, increased productivity.

While a homogenous silicone rubber 30 is formed into the preferred embodiment, other embodiments are possible with both organic polymers and silicone rubber. Consider, for example, the form of identification helix 20 illustrated in FIG. 6. An identification helix may be formed of any elastomer as well as silicone rubber. In cases where, for example, the elastomer lacks sufficient resilience, a core 40 such as that illustrated in FIG. 7 might be used to enhance the resilience of the overall structure by imparting additional stiffness. While copper stranded wire has proven to be an excellent core 40, any metallic wire or plastic stiffening core can be used to urge the polymeric identification helix back into its helical form. As such, alternative embodiments are readily conceived with any of a large number of combinations of resins and core materials.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, multiple colored silicone rubber resins might be pumped into an extruded helix to yield a striated or varied color scheme in the finished identification helix. Another such exemplary embodiment might include a charm depending from the helix, the presence of distinct charms further providing differential identification between one of several such identification helices. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A system of at least two identification helices for engaging an elongate element of a drinking vessel such as a stem or handle, the identification helices comprising in combination: a first identification helix of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry; and a second identification helix of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry, the second identification helix being visually distinct from the first differing in one of a group of qualities consisting of handedness, color, color combinations, and attached charms.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the resilient flexible material is an elastomer.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the silicone rubber constitutes the identification helices.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the identification helices further comprise a resilient core.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the resilient core is one of a group consisting of solid core metallic wire, stranded core metallic, solid plastic core, and stranded plastic core.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the attached charms comprise a surface for text or graphic annotation.
 8. A method for identifying one from among several drinking vessels, each vessel having an elongate element such as a handle or a stem, the method comprising: enaging the elongate member of a first drinking vessel from among the several drinking vessels with a first identification helix of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry; and engaging a second drinking vessel from among the several drinking vessels with a second identification helix of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry, the second identification helix being visually distinct from the first differing in one of a group of qualities consisting of handedness, color, color combinations, and attached charms.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the resilient flexible material is an elastomer.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the silicone rubber constitutes the identification helices.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the identification helices further comprise a resilient core.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the resilient core is one of a group consisting of solid core metallic wire, stranded core metallic, solid plastic core, and stranded plastic core.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the attached charms comprise a surface for text or graphic annotation.
 15. An identification helix for engaging an elongate element of a drinking vessel such as a stem or handle, the identification helix comprising: a helix of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry.
 16. The identification helix of claim 15, wherein in the presence of a second identification helix of resilient flexible material having a pair of ends and adapted to engage the elongate element by wrapping the elongate element with a generally encircling geometry, the first identification helix distinguishes itself visually from the identification helix by differing in one of a group of qualities consisting of handedness, color, color combinations, and attached charms.
 17. The identification helix of claim 15, wherein the resilient flexible material is an elastomer.
 18. The identification helix of claim 15, wherein the identification helices further comprise a resilient core.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the resilient core is one of a group consisting of solid core metallic identification helix, stranded core metallic, solid plastic core, and stranded plastic core.
 20. The identification helix of claim 15, wherein the attached charms comprise a surface for text or graphic annotation. 